As expected, the Grammys were sanitized for Main Street, America. Beyonce was absolutely beautiful, and her duet with Prince was great. But I’m really tired of listening to Justin Timberlake whine. As Joan Rivers would say, “Oh grow up!” Do you think CBS will completely cut out Richard Hatch walking around naked on the latest “Survivor”?

Howard Dean is going, going, gone soon. Just goes to show that polls are not always a good indicator and that we love a winner. I wonder how many minds were changed just because Kerry is a front-runner, rather than that his message has convinced you. I actually don’t care. At this point, whoever can beat George Bush – the War President, as he calls himself – is my man this November.

I applaud the Massachusetts Supreme Court for its courage and integrity in unequivocally declaring that anything other than “marriage” is not an acceptable option for same-sex couples. I am genuinely concerned about the ripple effects and the wave of hate that will rise against our community. I implore our community leaders to get together and look to the future, and devise a proactive plan to counter the negative fallout of this historic movement.

Mardi Gras fever is in the air. Bourbon Street is gearing up for their annual shindig in a major way with 7 Days of Decadence. Start off Wednesday, Feb. 18, with Mardi Gras Bingo with Sister Nicole. Who knows, she might have a wardrobe-malfunction moment and show you her voluptuousness for beads. It’s also the “Queer Eye” CD release party. Thursday is Falcon Studio night with star Tyler Gunn. Janice Edwards and Kenny Ard will also present a special show that night. Friday Night is “Women’s Decadence” with go-go dancers at 7:30 p.m. The “Lights Out” party starts at 9:00 p.m., you don’t want to miss this! Saturday is White Party Warm Up Night with a fashion show by Rooster Gear and a white-underwear auction, with proceeds to benefit the Ben Dillingham Community Grant. Sunday night is ChiChi LaRue’s Stud Review featuring Logan Reed and Eddie Stone, and hosted by Ophelia. Monday night is Southern Decadence/Colt Studios night featuring Colt model Carl Hardwick, and an Inked and Pierced Contest hosted by Tattoo Mike and Leo. And finally, the big Fat Tuesday celebration with a Cajun buffet ($5 donation to charity) and capping with a Mardi Gras King & Queen Contest, hosted by Nicole, features $1,000 in cash and $1,000 in prizes. There will be bead-tosses at 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. All throughout the week, MasterBeat will be giving away CDs and there are lots of prize giveaways. In fact, there’s something for everyone at Bourbon Street every night.

The third annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras will have a huge festival on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 24, featuring street performers, vendor booths, food and an outdoor dance floor featuring DJ Taj spinning great sound and a laser show. There is a main stage with the Girls from LIPS and Go-Go Boys from All Worlds Video. $15 advance tickets available at Hamburger Mary’s, Obelisk and Rainbow Road. Pre-parties include Wrestling 101 on Friday, Feb. 13, at 9:00 p.m. at Montage; and the King & Queen of the Mardi Gras on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 7:00 p.m. at Numbers, which I will be hosting. There are millions of beads ready to be given away. For more info about the Wrestling Party and the King & Queen Contest, call Rafael at (619) 871-9167.

What is hotter than a night filled with men in leather? How about a week full of leather events? Here’s a quick run-down for this year’s Leather Pride events. Saturday, Feb. 28, is Knights of Leather contest at Wolf’s; Sunday is Bailar con Latinosos (Latin Bears Dance) at The Brass Rail; Monday is Dungeons and Drag night at Bourbon Street; Tuesday is Cigar Party at Bad Habits; Wednesday is Shann Carr comedy show at Kicker’s; Thursday is All Club Kink Night at Pecs; Friday is Boot Camp at The Eagle. Finally, Saturday, March 6, is the big event – Mr. San Diego Leather Contest at The Center. For more info, go to www.mr-sandiego-leathert.org.

And speaking of Pecs, they are kicking off Saloon Night on the third Wednesday of each month, starting Wednesday, Feb. 18, with Lee Armentrout. Come enjoy country-western music, food, a game of pool, or shoot some darts with other folks who enjoy country-western entertainment.

Valentines Day – is it a hype of a holiday? Yeah, I think so and I love it. But V-Day should not be limited to couples or people in love alone. Ahem … young, single, reasonably attractive gals like me should not have to sit at home and hide on this day. Valentine should just be a universal day of love for all.

So you have not made any plans and now you’re scrambling. Well, here are some very last minute tips to make your loved one not throw that hissy fit again, and make you look really good. There is always the traditional rose, but they are so expensive this one-day so be creative. FloraStyle on Fifth Avenue always has an unusual selection of fresh cuts. Flowers by Sean (next to David’s Coffee House) is also a favorite of mine, not only for flowers, but they carry beautiful cards, Belgian chocolates and truffles, and teddy bears and balloons to go along with your flowers. Also, their dozen-rose deal is only 30 bucks. Or consider a dozen long-stem strawberries dipped in chocolates from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – Advance orders are strongly suggested, call (619) 546-4091. Laguna Trends has a great selection of thoughtful gifts, or get the KenSpaPackage.com Valentine special with a full body massage from Zen Sanctuary; facial and hair styling from Diesel Salon and take home a delectable dessert from Just Fabulous.